China to maintain regional autonomy for ethnic minorities: Hu

Xinhua Beijing, May 4 (Xinhua) China said Sunday it will maintain regional autonomy for ethnic minorities on the basis of equality and unity. Regional autonomy for ethnic minorities is basic to China’s political system, and the government will continue to abide by this system, President Hu Jintao told a group of Japanese newspersons.

Hu was answering questions from reporters from 16 Japanese media organizations. He said the system of regional autonomy for ethnic minorities was prescribed in China’s constitution.

The president said all ethnic groups in China are equal, and the state ensures the legitimate rights and interests of all the ethnic minorities, maintained and developed a socialist ethnic relationship on the basis of equality, unity, mutual assistance and harmony.

He said China would continue to implement and improve this basic political system and work for the happiness of the people of all ethnic groups.

Hu will pay a state visit to Japan from May 6 to 10, which would be the first by a Chinese president to Japan over the past decade and also his first foreign visit after he was re-elected to the office. Xinhua